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Hammond Today
By the People, for the People
Chicago Bears Eyeing $5B Stadium Move to Indiana
NFL franchise weighs leaving Illinois for new home in Hammond
Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:38pm
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The Chicago Bears' search for a new $5 billion stadium home could end their nearly century-long tenure in Illinois, reflecting the challenges facing historic franchises in securing public funding for state-of-the-art facilities.Hammond TodayThe Chicago Bears, one of the NFL's most historic franchises, are considering a move to a new $5 billion stadium in Hammond, Indiana, after rejecting potential sites in Chicago. The team has set a deadline in the coming weeks to decide between the Indiana location or staying in Illinois and building in Arlington Heights.
Why it matters
The potential move would end the Bears' nearly century-long tenure in Illinois, where they have played at Soldier Field since 1971. It reflects the team's desire for a state-of-the-art stadium and the challenges of securing public funding for such projects, especially in urban areas.
The details
The Bears have two options on the table - a $2.5 billion domed stadium in Hammond, Indiana, or a new facility in Arlington Heights, Illinois, where the team already owns 326 acres of land. However, two potential sites in Chicago have been ruled out for political and logistical reasons. The team is now pressuring Illinois lawmakers to approve legislation for the Arlington Heights project, or else they appear poised to head to Indiana.
- The Bears are expected to make a decision on the stadium site in the next few weeks.
- The team is targeting a 2030 opening for the new stadium, regardless of location.
The players
Chicago Bears
One of the oldest and most storied franchises in the National Football League, having played in Illinois since 1920.
Kevin Warren
President and CEO of the Chicago Bears, overseeing the team's stadium search and relocation efforts.
Hammond, Indiana
A city in northwest Indiana that has proposed a $2.5 billion domed stadium as a potential new home for the Bears.
Arlington Heights, Illinois
A suburb of Chicago where the Bears already own 326 acres of land, making it a leading contender for the team's new stadium.
What they’re saying
“We're in an excellent position. I recently said that the target is to make sure we have a decision made by springtime here soon. Late spring, early summer would be that from a target.”
— Kevin Warren, President and CEO, Chicago Bears
What’s next
The Bears are pressuring Illinois lawmakers to approve legislation for the Arlington Heights project in the coming weeks. If that does not happen, the team appears poised to move forward with the $2.5 billion stadium proposal in Hammond, Indiana.
The takeaway
The potential relocation of the Chicago Bears to Indiana highlights the challenges facing historic NFL franchises in securing public funding for new stadiums, especially in urban areas. The team's decision could end nearly a century of the Bears playing in Illinois, underscoring the evolving landscape of professional sports and the importance of securing favorable stadium deals.
